Free Online URL Encode and Decode Tool
Percent-encode URLs and query strings, or decode them back to readable text — instantly and privately.
Hey there! Special characters like spaces, question marks, ampersands, and accents can break URLs. Our free URL Encode / Decode tool helps you safely convert them using percent-encoding. Whether you are building API requests, handling query parameters, or cleaning up links, this tool makes it quick and simple.
Everything runs in your browser — 100% private, no signup, and no data is sent anywhere.
What is URL Encoding?
URL encoding (also known as percent-encoding) replaces special characters with a % followed by their hexadecimal code. For example, a space becomes `%20` and an ampersand `&` becomes `%26`. This ensures URLs remain valid when they contain spaces or reserved characters.
encodeURIComponent vs encodeURI – Which One to Use?
- encodeURIComponent – Encodes almost every special character. Best for query parameter values (like search terms or usernames).
- encodeURI – Keeps URL structure characters like : / ? # & = intact. Best for encoding a complete URL.
When Should You Use This Tool?
- Building URLs with query parameters that contain spaces or special characters
- Encoding user input before sending it in API requests
- Decoding URLs received from browsers or external sources
- Fixing broken links that contain encoded characters
- Working with redirects or deep links in web applications
How to Encode or Decode URLs in 3 Simple Steps
- Choose **Encode** or **Decode** mode using the toggle.
- Paste your URL or text into the input box (for encode mode, select the encoding type).
- The result appears instantly. Copy it with one click or use the Swap button to test round trips.
Key Features
- Real-time encoding and decoding as you type
- Support for both encodeURIComponent and encodeURI modes
- Handles + as space during decoding
- Shows length, encoded character count, and size
- One-click Swap to move output back to input
- Sample button with realistic URL examples
- Completely private and browser-based
Real Example
Original Text:
https://example.com/search?q=hello world&lang=en&special=café
Encoded (encodeURIComponent):
https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dhello%20world%26lang%3Den%26special%3Dcaf%C3%A9
Pro Tips
- Use encodeURIComponent for individual query values
- Use encodeURI when you want to encode an entire URL
- The Swap button is great for quickly testing encode → decode cycles
- Always decode first if you receive a messy encoded URL from a browser
Why Developers Love This URL Encoder
- Forever free with no limits or ads
- Fast and accurate results
- Clear distinction between the two encoding modes
- Works smoothly on desktop and mobile
- 100% private — your URLs never leave your browser
Ready to Encode or Decode Your URLs?
Stop dealing with broken links and manual encoding. Get clean, correct URLs in seconds.
→ URL Encode or Decode Now – Free & Instant